Looker Studio Function : DATETIME
Category: Arithmetic function
The DATETIME function in Looker Studio converts date and time values into a unified datetime format. This allows users to perform advanced time-based calculations and aggregations across multiple metrics, helping in clear and precise reporting for decision-making.
Purpose of the DATETIME Function
1. Data Distribution Analysis :
Use DATETIME to analyze how data trends change over time. It helps in understanding seasonal shifts, user activity patterns, and changes in KPIs over specific time intervals.
2. Customer Segmentation :
Segment customers based on their interaction time, signup date, or purchase frequency. This allows marketers to identify high-value users and tailor campaigns to specific customer behaviors.
3. Decision Making :
Time-based data supports smarter decisions by showing performance over months, quarters, or years. DATETIME enables executives to evaluate historical trends and future projections.
Type of Calculation & Practical Use Cases
✅ Performance Benchmarking
Compare performance month-over-month or year-over-year using DATETIME logic.
✅ Customer Segmentation
Segment data based on the datetime of user actions for targeted marketing.
✅ Time Series Analysis
Analyze sales, traffic, or conversions over time to spot trends or anomalies.
DATETIME(year, month, day, hour, minute, second)
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| year | Integer | Four-digit year |
| month | Integer | Month of the year (1–12) |
| day | Integer | Day of the month (1–31) |
| hour | Integer | Hour of the day (0–23) |
| minute | Integer | Minutes (0–59) |
| second | Integer | Seconds (0–59) |
How Does the DATETIME Function Work?
The DATETIME function combines numeric values for year, month, day, hour, minute, and second into a standardized datetime format. It runs within calculated fields in Looker Studio and is typically used when you need to format or analyze time-specific data
When Should You Use DATETIME Function?
Use
DATETIMEwhen working with separate time components or when converting numerical values into a datetime format for better analysis. Ideal in reports where filtering or grouping by exact time matters.
Example of DATTIME with Result
DATETIME(2024, 12, 25, 10, 30, 0)
Result : 2024-12-25 10:30:00
Example : 1 Basic Usage
DATETIME(2025, 6, 1, 12, 0, 0)
Result : 2025-06-01 12:00:00
Example 2: Column Usage
You can apply DATETIME in calculated fields to transform raw data into datetime formats for enhanced filtering, grouping, or comparison across dashboards.
Example 3: Handling Decimals and Scientific Notation
Ensure all parameters passed are integers. Convert decimal or scientific formats using ROUND() or CAST() before using them inside the DATETIME function to avoid errors.
Example 4: Combining with Other Functions
Use with
DATE_DIFF()to calculate time between eventsCombine with
CASE WHENfor time-based segmentationPair with
NOW()for current vs past analysis
Tips and Tricks
Always validate data formats before applying
DATETIMECreate derived time buckets using
DATETIMEandHOUR()Use
DATETIMEto align timestamps across multiple data sources
It standardizes date and time values for consistent reporting, comparison, and visualization across different metrics and dimensions.
Yes, DATETIME enables exact time filtering, ideal for creating dashboards with dynamic time ranges and user interactions.
Most native connectors support DATETIME, but ensure your source provides separate date/time fields or integers for reliable results.
DATETIME includes both date and time components, while DATE only includes year, month, and day—making DATETIME more precise.
You may receive a formula error or null result. Always validate inputs and use functions like IF or CASE to handle exceptions.